Atlanta, United States – Football legend Lionel Messi is poised to face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, for the first time since departing the French champions, as his Inter Miami side progressed to the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.
The highly anticipated matchup was confirmed following Inter Miami’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Palmeiras on Tuesday morning, a result that ensured both teams advanced from the group stage.
The match saw Inter Miami take an early lead through goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez, setting the American side on course for what could have been a second consecutive victory in the tournament, following their earlier 2-1 win over FC Porto. However, the Brazilian champions Palmeiras mounted a late comeback, striking twice in the final ten minutes with goals from Paulinho and Mauricio, leveling the game and solidifying their place in the next round alongside Miami.
Few analysts had predicted Inter Miami would advance from their group, making their progression one of the standout stories of the tournament thus far. Their reward is a high-profile encounter with UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, a team Messi previously represented from 2021 to 2023 before making a sensational move to the MLS.
The fixture, which will take place in Atlanta, adds another layer of significance for Messi, who celebrated his 38th birthday on Tuesday. The Argentine star is expected to draw global attention as he prepares to face PSG for the first time since leaving the club, where he played alongside notable teammates such as Neymar and Kylian Mbappé.
While PSG, during the Messi-Neymar-Mbappé era, fell short of European glory—failing to secure the UEFA Champions League despite their star-studded lineup—they finally lifted the coveted trophy following the trio’s departure. The French giants clinched their historic first Champions League title with a commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final, becoming only the second French club to win the tournament after Olympique Marseille in 1993.
As for Palmeiras, their advancement sets up an all-Brazilian clash against Botafogo in the next stage, ensuring a high-stakes South American battle within the knockout rounds.
Elsewhere in the group, Egyptian champions Al Ahly and Portuguese side Porto both bowed out of the competition, despite playing out a thrilling 4-4 draw in their final group game. The result was not enough to lift either team into the next phase, as goal differences and head-to-head records favored their group rivals.
The upcoming fixture between Inter Miami and PSG is now one of the most eagerly anticipated matchups of the tournament. It will not only serve as a reunion between Messi and his former employers but also as a test of how far Inter Miami, bolstered by global icons like Suárez and Allende, have come under Messi’s influence.
As the FIFA Club World Cup enters its decisive stages, the spotlight shines once again on Messi, whose presence continues to elevate every competition he graces. The clash against PSG promises not only nostalgia but also a potential turning point in Miami’s campaign, as they aim to make history on the global stage.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | June 24, 2025
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